Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3 Comparison

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Leica V-Lux 4

12 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CMOS Sensor

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Leica V-Lux 3

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS Sensor

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Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing V-Lux 4 and V-Lux 3, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by Leica. Both Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 cameras have 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensors. Leica V-Lux 4 was introduced to market in September 2012 and Leica V-Lux 3 was launched in December 2011. There is only 9 months difference between V-Lux 4 and V-Lux 3 so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

V-Lux 4 and V-Lux 3 are members of Leica's V-Lux series of cameras. Below you can find the latest models from this series.

Leica V-Lux Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Leica V-Lux 5	2020	20.0MP - 1-inch	12.0 fps	137 x 97 x 132mm	812g
Leica V-Lux 4	2012	12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	12.0 fps	125 x 87 x 110mm	588g
Leica V-Lux 40	2012	14.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	10.0 fps	105 x 59 x 28mm	210g
Leica V-Lux 3	2011	12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	12.0 fps	124 x 81 x 95mm	540g
Leica V-Lux 30	2011	14.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	10.0 fps	105 x 58 x 43mm	219g

Here is a brief look at the main features of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Leica V-Lux 4 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2012-09-17

12MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 3200 ( expands to 6400)

25-600 mm F2.8 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fully Articulated Screen

1312k dot Electronic viewfinder

12 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

588g. 125 x 87 x 110 mm

Replaced Leica V-Lux 3 Compare

Leica V-Lux 3 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-12-08

12MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 6400

25-600 mm F2.8-5.2 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fully Articulated Screen

Electronic viewfinder

12 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

220fps High-Speed Video

540g. 124 x 81 x 95 mm

Replaced Leica V-Lux 2 Compare

Leica V-Lux 4 was replaced by Leica V-Lux 5. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Leica V-Lux 5 vs Leica V-Lux 4
Leica V-Lux 5 vs Leica V-Lux 3

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Leica V-Lux 4 over Leica V-Lux 3

Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	very handy for portraits
Max Mech. Shutter	1/4000s vs 1/2000s	faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life	540 shots vs 410 shots	130 more frames with a single charge
Max Aperture - Tele	2.80 vs 5.20	faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage	13.5m vs 9.5m	4m longer range

Reasons to choose Leica V-Lux 3 over Leica V-Lux 4

Max ISO	6.400 vs 3.200	100% higher Max ISO
Weight	540 g vs 588 g	48 g lighter

Common Strengths of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3

Image Stabilization	Optical vs Optical	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Adjustable LCD Screen	Fully Articulated vs Fully Articulated	Flexible shooting positions
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
External Flash Shoe	Yes vs Yes	Better for flash photography
Viewfinder	Yes (Electronic) vs Yes (Electronic)	Better framing and control
RAW Support	Yes vs Yes	Better image quality
Continuous Shooting	12.0fps vs 12.0fps	Fast shooting speeds
Manual Focusing	Yes vs Yes	both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure	Yes vs Yes	better exposure control
Microphone Port	Yes vs Yes	High quality audio recording option
Focal Length - Tele	600mm vs 600mm	Very good Telezoom
AE Bracketing	Yes vs Yes	Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Selfie/Vlogger Friendly LCD	Yes vs Yes	Rotate LCD for taking Selfies

Common Weaknesses of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3

LCD Screen Resolution	460k dots vs 461k dots	Low resolution screens
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions

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Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Leica V-Lux 4 has external dimensions of 125 x 87 x 110 mm (4.92 x 3.43 x 4.33″) and weighs 588 g (1.30 lb / 20.74 oz) (including batteries). Leica V-Lux 3 has external dimensions of 124 x 81 x 95 mm (4.88 x 3.19 x 3.74″) and weighs 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3. Leica V-Lux 3 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 1mm narrower, 6mm shorter and 15mm thinner than Leica V-Lux 4.

Comparison image of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3.

Comparison image of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3.

Top View Comparison image of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Leica V-Lux 3 is 48g lighter than the Leica V-Lux 4 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Bridge Cameras

V-Lux 4

V-Lux 3

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Bridge Cameras

V-Lux 4

V-Lux 3

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Leica V-Lux 4 nor Leica V-Lux 3 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Both cameras feature Fully Articulating screens where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels. Fully articulating screens are also useful for taking Selfie shots and video.

Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3: Sensor Comparison

Both Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 have 1/2.3-inch sized 12.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Below you can see the V-Lux 4 and V-Lux 3 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 Cameras

Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 have almost the same sensor size so none of them has any significant advantage over other in providing control over depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3 Lens Specs Comparison

Leica V-Lux 4 features a 25-600 mm F2.8 24� zoom lens whereas Leica V-Lux 3 features a 25-600 mm F2.8-5.2 24× zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 25mm and have the same max aperture of f2.80 at this focal length. Both cameras have a tele angle reach of 600mm. However, with a max aperture of f2.80, Leica V-Lux 4 is faster than Leica V-Lux 3 at this focal length.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 4

V-Lux 3

Widest - Samsung WB2200F

Average

Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 4

V-Lux 3

Longest - Nikon P1000

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 4

V-Lux 3

Fastest - Olympus 1

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 4

V-Lux 3

Fastest - Sony RX10 III

Average

What types of Photography are Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Leica V-Lux 4 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Leica V-Lux 3 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Read the details

Leica V-Lux 4 for Street Photography

GOOD

Leica V-Lux 3 for Street Photography

GOOD

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Read the details

Leica V-Lux 4 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Leica V-Lux 3 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
23 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 540 shots
600 mm Tele Lens
Fast Lens at Tele: f2.80
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
23 Focus Points
600 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Leica V-Lux 4 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Leica V-Lux 3 for Daily Photography

GOOD

RAW shooting capability
24.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
588g
Body Thickness 110mm
Read the details

RAW shooting capability
24.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
540g
Body Thickness 95mm
Read the details

Leica V-Lux 4 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Leica V-Lux 3 for Landscape Photography

POOR

RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 scores compare:

Leica V-Lux 4

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #21 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #359 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Leica V-Lux 3

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #31 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #427 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Leica V-Lux 4 has a higher Overall Score than the Leica V-Lux 3 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Leica V-Lux 4 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Leica V-Lux 4	Leica V-Lux 3
Brand	Leica	Leica
Announced	2012-09-17	2011-12-08
Body Type	SLR-like (bridge)	SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Type	CMOS	CMOS
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.08 x 4.56 mm	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area	27.72mm²	28.07mm²
Megapixels	12 megapixels	12 megapixels
Max Resolution	4000 x 3000	4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity	3,200 ISO	6,400 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity	6400 ISO	-
Min Native Light sensitivity	100 ISO	100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	23	23
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	25-600 mm (24�)	25-600 mm (24×)
Max Aperture	F2.8	F2.8-5.2
Macro Focus Range	1cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fully Articulated	Fully Articulated
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	460k dots	461k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic	Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution	1,312k dots	n/a
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/4000s	1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Optical	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	13.50 m	9.50 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	12.0 fps	12.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	MPEG-4, AVCHD	MPEG-4, AVCHD, Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	588g	540g
Dimensions	125 x 87 x 110mm	124 x 81 x 95mm
Battery Life	540 shots	410 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction